GC0176: Introduction of Demand Control Rotation Protocol within Operating Code 6 of the Grid Code
What is being proposed
The modification will make changes to OC6 to allow for the Demand Control Rotation Protocol (DCRP) to be formally recognised as a tool to manage shortfalls in electricity supply, over an extended period of time (i.e. 3 to 24 hours).
Current status
The Proposal was submitted to the December Grid Code Review Panel where it was agreed unanimously that GC0176 should follow the Standard Governance route and proceed to Workgroup. Nominations opened on 17 December 2024 and ran until 17 January 2025. The January 2025 Panel approved amendments to the Terms of Reference for this modification. The Workgroup Consultation ran from 28 July until 26 August and received 6 responses. At the November 2025 Panel meeting, the Panel agreed GC0176 had met the Terms of Reference and could proceed to Code Administrator Consultation. The Code Administrator Consultation opened on 04 December and closed on 12 January. A timeline update will be presented to the Panel in January. The Draft Final Modification Report will be delayed due to the ongoing DCode consultation. The Draft Final Modification Report will be presented at the February Panel. 09/03/2026 The The Panel Recommendation Vote was deferred prior to the meeting to allow further engagement with the Energy Network Association on the definition of Load Lock. The Draft Final Modification Report will be presented at a later Panel.
Details
Timeline
Analysis
NESO formalises a Demand Control Rotation Protocol allowing rolling blackouts for 3-24 hours during supply shortfalls, modifying Grid Code OC6. The modification affects Distribution Network Operators, NESO, and consumers, with cross-code impacts on the Distribution Code. Panel recommendation has been deferred to address Load Lock definition issues with the Energy Network Association.
Why it matters
This institutionalises managed disconnections as a grid balancing tool rather than treating them as emergency-only measures. The protocol shifts from ad-hoc disconnections to systematic load shedding, creating formal rules around who gets cut off and when — as such, it makes rationing explicit rather than market-based allocation of scarce electricity.
Key facts
- •Protocol covers 3-24 hour shortfall periods
- •High impact on DNOs, NESO and consumers
- •Panel recommendation vote deferred due to Load Lock definition disputes
- •Cross-code impact with Distribution Code